A QUICK Q & A with Canopy program benefactor Jerry Rich

Downers Grove Magazine: How did you come to connect with Giant Steps and the Canopy Adult Service Program?

Jerry Rich: I connected with Giant Steps on the recommendation of two longstanding Members at the golf course I own, Rich Harvest Farms. They worked for Navistar, whose worldwide headquarters is located very close to Giant Steps. Through this connection, I learned that there were an incredible number of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who were going to age out of state and federal support. As soon as they turned 22, they often had nowhere to go except back home, where they would lose the social, vocational, and personal skills they developed at places like Giant Steps.

I heard of Giant Steps’ plan to combat such an issue in the form of their Canopy Adult Services Program, but, at the time, they didn’t have a dedicated space for it. I own 1,820 acres out in Sugar Grove though, so I was more than happy to offer it up for the advancement and expansion of Canopy. Currently, they utilize the building I own at 264 S. Main St. in Sugar Grove. In the future though, I have put aside land behind St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Sugar Grove for Giant Steps to build an ASD-specific community to serve the long-term needs of adults impacted by autism.

Downers Grove Magazine: Why was it important to you to support this program and its participants?

Jerry Rich: When I was just 10 years old, I sought work at a local golf course where I met a man who welcomed me onto the course and taught me about caddying. This man could have easily dismissed me, but instead gave me a pull cart and a chance to learn the game. That day, I made $1.10 in tip money, but, more importantly, I fell in love with golf, fueling a life-long passion for the sport. I credit that man with changing the entire course of my life. I see my partnership with Giant Steps as offering these individuals living with ASD the same opportunity I was given in my youth — a chance to grow and thrive.